Carolina Panthers select offensive tackle with No. 6 overall pick in NFL Draft
The Carolina Panthers entered the 2022 NFL Draft with multiple ways to navigate with their top-10 pick. The franchise has needs on both sides of the ball and couldn't afford to miss with head coach Matt Rhule heading into a do-or-die season in 2022.
There was a heavy emphasis on defense early in the draft as two defensive ends and two cornerbacks made up the top-four picks. That led to a few talented offensive tackles sliding a few picks farther than expected. It helped the Panthers make an easy decision on Thursday night.
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Carolina will be fortifying its offensive line by selecting Ikem 'Ickey' Ekwonu with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. Ekwonu was the top offensive lineman on the board and he can instantly slide into one of the tackle spot for the Panthers.
Though some of the fanbase wanted a quarterback, it's still a position that the franchise can dial in on later this weekend. In the meantime, Ekwonu will be able to protect Sam Darnold's blindside with the potential to develop into a franchise cornerstone.
Tampa Bay has won six of its last seven matchups with Carolina, including four straight victories since Tom Brady signed with the team in 2020. It will be hard for the Panthers to flip the script this upcoming season but if they land more prospects with the potential of Ekwonu it could be interesting in the near future.
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